More police to be deployed in tourist destinations

MANILA, Philippines - Additional policemen will be deployed in key tourist spots as part of security preparations for the summer vacation.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome told reporters in a briefing yesterday that police assistance desks would be put up in tourist areas to assist both local and foreign tourists.

“We would like the public to be wary of people who might take advantage of them. Our policemen would be there to assist them. But of course they should also know how to protect themselves,” he said.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. earlier said the PNP would launch the slogan “It’s more safe in the Philippines” to encourage local and foreign tourists to explore the country during the summer vacation.

Cruz said they have adopted the Department of Tourism’s theme “It’s more fun in the Philippines” to invite more tourists to visit the country.

“Based on the continuous decrease of crime volume, really it’s more safe in the Philippines,” he told The STAR.

He said the PNP would also activate its “Oplan Summer Vacation 2012” to secure vacationing students and foreigners who are expected to flock by the millions to the country’s tourist spots this season.

Cruz said part of the campaign is the deployment of additional police officers in bus stations, seaports and airports.

Millions of tourists visit Boracay, the Palawan Puerto Princesa Underground River and various beaches in Luzon and Mindanao during summer.